I finally thought of a different ending than the one I wrote at the beginning.
Some time after dinner in Montaldo.
"Thank you again, for finding my letter. It gives me such pleasure to hear from my grandson, who works near Mount Everest.
"It was a pleasure, Mrs. Everleigh. My grandmother once stayed there for a spiritual retreat. She told me it was great," Norman added.
"Shane, have you and Oliver talked about your dinner in Montaldo again?" Rita whispered.
"Well, no, not yet. I think we were both just as disappointed. But I remain patient and optimistic. I'm aware that Oliver needs time. You have to trust the timing, right?"
"You're absolutely right," said her friend, smiling.
" Mrs. Everleigh, we are delighted to see that you have such confidence in the postal service. We wish you a happy end of the day," said Oliver.
The little lady offered them heart-shaped cakes.
Once they entered the office the POstables tasted the cakes and then the day was already over. Norman always left the office at the same time as Rita.
Shane greeted Oliver and then left the dead letter office.
She walked for a few minutes and searched her bag. Her cell phone charger wasn't there. She must have left it on her desk. Shane turned around to go back to the office, but stopped dead in front of the door.
Soft jazz music was slowly playing. The Washington DC technophile walked over to the door window. Oliver had settled into his office and poured himself a glass of Yoo-hoo.
Shane had a sense of déjà vu. She remembered that after her jog, she found herself in front of Oliver's house, with music on his record player, lighting a candle, pouring a glass of wine and reading a book. But then Shane ran away. No, I mustn't run away, not this time, Shane thought.
She pushed the doors open and walked in. Still in his daydream, Oliver looked up, and then stood up to turn off the record player.
"Miss McInerney, I was just...
"I forgot my cell phone charger. This music's really pretty." Shane said, embarrassed.
"Yes, the lyrics of this song are thought-provoking, especially this time of February," says Oliver softly.
Shane retrieved her charger and Oliver looked at a stack of letters.
"Oliver, about that dinner at Montaldo, I know you and I both had very different expectations. Don't look at this as a failure. I understand that you need time. I'm keeping the card that you made by hand. Oliver, I assure you I enjoyed the dinner with you." Shane said.
"Miss McInerney, I have a question. What image do you have of love?" Oliver asked seriously.
He didn't look her in the eye. His gaze was turned to the record player and Oliver was eagerly awaiting an answer.
Shane smiled and laughed. For it was the first time anyone had ever asked her that question.
"Well, from watching romantic movies, well, I guess, like everyone else, I hope to find a Prince Charming someday," Shane said blushing.
"Do you believe in true, sincere, and lasting love? When we were working on little Anna's letter, I told you that perfect love takes away pain and fear and replaces it with hope. Today, I have hope that the only thing that matters in this world will never let go of me. I believe in perfect love, Shane. I also believe in second chances, although it may surprise you. How about dinner next Saturday" said Oliver as he looked into her eyes and walked up to her.
"Oliver. Those are really nice words. This goes straight to my heart. Next Saturday, very romantic," said Shane.
The postal detective turned on the record player and invited Shane to dance.
"Shane, there's no special occasion to be romantic. The best thing is to always be," Oliver said and he swirled her .
Shane smiled fully. Her dream hadn't come true, but she noticed that every moment she spent with Oliver was a unique moment that exceeded her most wonderful dreams every time.
The end.